Beowulf

1. Testing

   Danish shore-guard (235ff)

   Hrothgar (370ff, 450ff)

   Unferth (498ff)

2. Boasting (by Beowulf, Unferth, etc.)

3. Drama built through experience of the moment as in slowing down of time at approach of Grendel (693ff)

4. The use of formulaic repetition, digression and narrative in the “weaving” of tales, both old and new

   The poet’s creation of tale about Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel 853ff

5. Juxtaposition of tales, digressions

   Hildeburh as peace-weaver (1051ff),

   Set against Wealtheow’s concerns for her sons
   

   In relation to Hrothulf (1171)
   And in relation to Beowulf (1207)

   Later, strategy is analyzed by Beowulf in his report to Hygelac about Freawaru (2012-51)

   cf. Hygd, wife of Hygelac (1908-13), vs. Thryth (1913-44), who was dangerous until reformed by Offa

Ambiguous Relation of Anglo-Saxon culture to Christianity

1. Cain’s link to Grendel and Unferth (104ff)

2. Lapse of Hrothgar’s thanes to worshipping of idols when God seems to ignore the 12 years of attacks by Grendel (175ff)

3. Beowulf’s pledge to seek vengeance after attack by Grendel’s mother and his boast (565-6)

4. Hrothgar’s sermon (1708-45)

5. Narrator’s opinion (2273-5)

Thematic question

Good kingship and loyalty
Scyld Scefyng (4-14); cf. Beowulf’s similar difficult background (2168-74)

Heremod (1693, vs. Sigemund 863)

Hygelac

Hrothgar (see sermon (1708-45)

Beowulf, especially in dragon episode, 2184ff:

Beowulf’s assertion of need to fight dragon alone (2519)

Cowardice of thanes (2585ff), with exception of Wiglaf who remembers gifts (2621ff)

Transference of leadership to Wiglaf (2784-2807)

The messenger’s warning of grim future of Geats (2899ff, esp. 2990-8)

Wiglaf’s conclusion (3070ff)